//------------------------------// // Chapter 44: Luna // Story: Scars of Our Past // by JWolfSilver //------------------------------// Sunset was genuinely happy during the week. The novelty of bullying her had almost entirely died down other than the hateful glares. On Thursday after school, she walked into the music room as she had been during the entirety of the week, watching the Rainbooms’ practice. Sunset loved the songs that Rainbow wrote and found it a lot less daunting that they grew ears and tails. In fact, it now made Sunset feel safer around them knowing they could keep her in line. Just as they finished ‘Shake Your Tail’ there was a knock at the door and Vice-Principal Luna strode in, “You are sounding great girl’s. I’ve just come to retrieve Sunset.” “I thought Principal Celestia was taking me home?” Sunset questioned. Luna smiled, “I thought we could do some last-minute Christmas shopping before we leave on Monday.” “Just you and me?” Luna nodded. Sunset smiled, though she felt a bit uneasy as Luna had never asked to have time with her before. She gathered her things and said goodbye to her friends, wishing them a happy holiday then followed Luna out of the room and through the school. Luna noticed Sunset was frowning slightly so, she gave her a small side hug and a reassuring smile, “I know how you feel but you will see them on New Year’s.” Sunset sighed, “Yeah but that’s almost two weeks from now. I haven’t really gone so long without seeing them since the earthquake.” “At least you have Tia, Chrys and I so you will not be alone.” Luna said. Sunset saw a mischievous glint in her eye, “Something tells me you have a plan to keep me busy.” Luna chuckled, “You are learning to read me. I can’t say I’m surprised, but it is impressive.” Sunset shrugged, “It helps that you don’t try to hide it after school’s done and while we’re at home.” “I suppose I am just getting used to your presence.” Luna said as they got into her black car. “I’m glad.” Sunset said then turned to Luna with a playful smile, “You know, it’s hard to be afraid of you now that I know I’m more mature.” Luna took a double take at Sunset, surprised she felt comfortable enough to take a jab at her. “Says the girl who’s been drawing pastel ponies nonstop.” “I’m not 32 and playing computer games all night.” Sunset poked. “So, at least I didn’t stupidly let a building fall on me.” Sunset found an opportunity to trip her up. “Says the one crushing on their best friend.” “You-” Luna stopped and looked at Sunset with a horrified expression. Sunset no longer held her grin but did present a knowing smile. “You little goblin.” Luna said, “You’re like a mini version of my sister!” Sunset wasn’t sure how to take that comment so she brushed it off, “Come on, Luna. I’m not stupid and you don’t exactly hide it well. I could see it the first time I met her!” Luna smiled, “Well, since you’re not my sister, I’m not going to deny it.” “Don’t worry, I won’t say anything.” Sunset assured her, “I just wanted to know and I didn’t think I could ask you directly about it.” “You are very observant, Miss Shimmer.” Luna said, “But I do not wish to discuss this matter further.” “I never expected you to.” They pulled into the mall parking lot and got out of the car. It was surprising to Sunset that the air around them wasn’t awkward in the least. In fact, it was much clearer than before. Luna didn’t seem mad about Sunset’s realization. In fact, she seemed relieved. “So, do you have any ideas on what to get my sister yet?” Luna asked. “A couple.” Sunset stated. She told Luna about the next book in the series she’d seen Celestia reading and a box of Celestia’s favorite teas which she went to list off. Luna looked surprised, “You are pretty observant. How did you know what her favorite tea’s was?” “Partly from paying attention, because she likes to mix up what she has every now and then,” Sunset rubbed her neck, “And partly form memory when I knew Princess Celestia. They act different but their tastes are pretty much the same minus the meat.” Luna nodded, “Those are both brilliant ideas.” Sunset snickered, “Oh, don’t worry, I pay attention to you too.” Luna’s eyes went wide then, grinned like a child, “What did you get me?” “Why would I tell you?” Sunset smirked. “Because…” Luna thought, “I’ll buy you food?” Sunset just about lost it laughing and soon Luna joined her. “Come on, just a hint.” Luna practically begged. Sunset smiled, “Fine, the acronym is I.A.S.” Sunset knew Luna was smart, as explained to her by Celestia but she doubted the older woman would catch on before the day was over. While Luna thought on it, they leisurely went from store to store making various purchases before finally bringing them to the wrapping kiosk and grabbing something to eat. As the two ate, they engaged in pleasant conversation and got to know one another. Sunset even broke down some of the more interesting parts of Equestrian history and folklore, which Luna compared the majority of it to comic books or movies right down to calling Star Swirl the bearded; ‘pony Dumbledore’. Sunset didn’t even know who that was. When they were finished eating, they went and got her parcels and headed back out to Luna’s car. Sunset found that she could talk to Luna a lot like she could talk to Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash. Luna was proud but incredibly nice, caring and fun to be around. Neither was afraid to make small jabs at each other or shoot playful, empty threats. Luna, by the time they pulled into the driveway, was thinking about Sunset’s acronym again. “Don’t hurt yourself.” Sunset mocked with a playful smile. Just as Sunset got out of the car Luna shot up and glared at her over the roof of the car, “It’s-A-Secret?” Sunset smiled innocently as Luna’s glare then bolted for the house, only to crash into Chrysalis who gave her a confused look. “Luna. Scary. Celestia?” Sunset managed as Luna started to run after her. “Study.” Chrysalis said and moved out of the way, for both of them. Sunset ran through the house with Luna hot on her heels and despite her fear, she found Luna entertaining. She finally made it to the study and bust through the doors then held them shut while scanning the room for Celestia. The woman was seated in an armchair across the room looking at her with concern and confusion. Without another word Sunset dashed over to Celestia and cowered behind her as Luna burst into the room. Celestia looked at Sunset cowering behind her chair and couldn’t help but smile at the childlike grin on the younger girl’s face. It was actually nice to see her acting her own age. “What on earth is going on?” Celestia asked. “I outsmarted her and she doesn’t like it.” Sunset said simply. “I fed you!” Luna protested. “You would have anyway.” Sunset said. Though she didn’t move from her position behind Celestia, Sunset still grinned, obviously enjoying the exchange. “I will take your present back!” Luna threatened. Sunset shrugged, “I haven’t gotten one in six years. I’ll live.” Sunset gave her a look so she knew she was playing, “But can you?” Luna was rendered tongue tied. Clearly outwitted by the teenager. Chrysalis came behind Luna and grabbed her collar, pulling her out of the room. “Let’s go unload your car.” The black skinned woman shot Sunset thumbs up before closing the door. Sunset stood and started to laugh hysterically, soon joined by Celestia. After they both had calmed down, Sunset told Celestia about her day and eventually, they both retired to the living room with Luna and Chrysalis. Later that night, Sunset was introduced to her first horror movie. It was about a serial killer who was executed and turned into a mutant snow man. Sunset was terrified. She spent a good majority of the movie clinging to Celestia for dear life. In the end though, she wound up enjoying herself but had no intention of watching another. “Can you never make me watch a movie like that again?” Sunset requested, cowering in the blanket she had. “Why? It’s a classic.” Luna stated. “Yeah, and I get that it’s fake for this world but it could seriously happen with Equestrian magic.” Sunset told them. The other three blinked a few times before Luna looked to Chrysalis, “Burn it.” She sounded so serious that they couldn’t help but laugh. “Seriously, doesn’t this world have magic now?” Luna said fearfully, now hugging a pillow Sunset and Celestia exchanged horrified look then turned to Chrysalis, “Burn it!” they said in Sync.